CH702962B1

CH702962B1 - Method and device for selective playback of sound sequences on communication units and for locating these communication units by means of Nahbereichkopplung acoustically modulated data signals.

Info

Publication number: CH702962B1
Application number: CH00535/10A
Authority: CH
Inventors: Boxer Michael; Lagadec Roger
Original assignee: Boxer Michael; Lagadec Roger
Priority date: 2010-04-14
Filing date: 2010-04-14
Publication date: 2017-03-31
Also published as: EP2569880A1; US20130119133A1; CH702962A2; WO2011127618A1; CN102959884A

Abstract

Stations (4) which can produce discrete, specific acoustically modulated data signals (4e) are used for selectively reproducing a sound sequence (12a) on communication units (3). The communication units (3) occupy lines (outgoing: 117b, 116b, 113; incoming lines 115, 116b, 117b) of a transmission network which connects them to a processing station (9). A data signal is recorded in the acoustic proximity region of a station (4) by the sound transducer (3a) of a communication unit (3), is forwarded to the processing station (9) and detected there. The line (117a, 116a, 113) is detected on which it was received. The processing station (9) transmits the tone sequence (12a) assigned to the data signal (4e) to the communication unit (3) via the determined line (115, 116b, 117b). Thus, the desired tone sequence (12a) is played. The detection reliability is increased by transmitting the time and content of the transmitted data signals (4e) to the processing station (9) via a separate transmission path (106, 6, 107). The interaction complexity can be increased by reporting back the interaction level to the processing station (9) of the respective station (4). The method allows station-specific location of the users. The device according to the invention for the selective recording of sound sequences consists of sound signal generating stations (4) with or without input device communication units (3) with sound transducer (3a) a transmission network and a processing point (9). In that the station (4) additionally transmits the time and content of the transmitted data signals (4e) to the processing station (9) via a separate transmission path (106, 6, 107). The interaction complexity can be increased by reporting back the interaction level to the processing station (9) of the respective station (4). The method allows station-specific location of the users. The device according to the invention for the selective recording of sound sequences consists of sound signal generating stations (4) with or without input device communication units (3) with sound transducer (3a) a transmission network and a processing point (9). In that the station (4) additionally transmits the time and content of the transmitted data signals (4e) to the processing point (9) via a separate transmission path (106, 6, 107). The interaction complexity can be increased by reporting back the interaction level to the processing station (9) of the respective station (4). The method allows station-specific location of the users. The device according to the invention for the selective recording of sound sequences consists of sound signal generating stations (4) with or without input device communication units (3) with sound transducer (3a) a transmission network and a processing point (9). In that the processing station (9) of the respective station (4) signals the interaction status. The method allows station-specific location of the users. The device according to the invention for the selective recording of sound sequences consists of sound signal generating stations (4) with or without input device communication units (3) with sound transducer (3a) a transmission network and a processing point (9). In that the processing station (9) of the respective station (4) signals the interaction status. The method allows station-specific location of the users. The device according to the invention for the selective recording of sound sequences consists of sound signal generating stations (4) with or without input device communication units (3) with sound transducer (3a) a transmission network and a processing point (9).

Description

Description: [0001] The invention relates to: a device for selectively transmitting sound sequences to communication units and for locating these communication units, comprising: stations which generate acoustically modulated data signals by means of sound generators and sound sources, the acoustic signal characteristics of which preferably permit only a short- • communication units with a sound transducer for coupling the acoustically modulated data signals from the stations, • a processing station. B) A method for selectively transmitting sound sequences and for locating these communication units.

[0002] Machine-readable bar codes, in which digital data are directly recorded on an etiquette, a package or a product, are known and have been and are still being used to make a product or document identification using a fixed set of values and simpler Numerical coding and scanning technologies. Barcodes can be quite different, also two-dimensional. However, one thing is common to all variations: they are visual representations which must be read optically, ie, the code must be printed or visible on a screen, and an optical reader or a camera is needed to read it.

[0003] A large number of electronic devices, especially mobile devices, have an acoustic output device, especially when the output is in spoken form, which is understandable to humans. There are a wide range of options for input: keys, microphone, touch screen, camera, sensors or special reading devices of all kinds.

[0004] If a purely acoustic solution is desired with regard to input and output, any input signal must also be acoustical. A barcode must therefore be replaced by an acoustically modulated data signal. A communication unit which is designed for purely acoustic input and output comes without an additional optical reading device. If a communication channel is provided for signals in the audible range, eg a voice channel, this can also be used for the transmission of the acoustically modulated data signals.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is, on the one hand, to provide a method by means of which a simple, selective reproduction of one of many tone sequences based on acoustic signals is made possible by one of many participants via its individual communication unit; Device by means of which this method can be implemented. The method and apparatus also provide a particular form of locating the communication units. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] This object is achieved by a method for the selective recording of sound sequences (12a) to communication units (3) and for locating communication units (3) opposite stations (4)

Thus, one of a plurality of tone sequences (12a) is selectively transmitted to one of a plurality of communication units (3) (and thus to one of many participants).

[0010] The object is further achieved by a device for selectively transmitting sound sequences to communication units by means of acoustically modulated data signals, comprising: stations (4) with sound generator (4a) and sound source (4b), communication units (3) with sound transducers (3a ), A processing point (9) with a detection unit (11), a transmission network for connecting the communication units to the processing point. The invention, its method and the device required for this purpose are explained with reference to the accompanying diagrams and drawings Described and explained in detail. Thus, various other possibilities, results, advantages, and features of the invention become more readily apparent. FIG.

FIG. 1 is a schematic of the entire device with its components for the execution of the method;

FIG. 2: an illustration of the possible use of discrete frequencies for the representation of hexadecimal or decimal coded data.

Fi g. 3: an illustration of the possible composition of a signal for secure transmission of a bar code similar content by means of acoustically modulated data signals.

BACKGROUND [0009] The following is a detailed view of the fundamental differences between optical and acoustic barcode:

Optical barcode Acoustic barcode

Optical barcodes must be legible (on the Ob-acoustic barcodes to be identified).

The optical barcode is read by an optical reader. The acoustic barcode is read by advising or reading a camera. Its sound waves can be converted into electrical signals by a sound transducer (eg microphone).

The optical barcode is usually in passive form. To be audible, the acoustic barcode depends on (printed pattern) and is therefore only dependent on an electrically powered device. On the other hand, it is aware of the lighting without additional energy supply - does not depend on light, bar.

In its passive form (printed pattern) the optical barcode can be static or dynamic barcode static. A dynamic adjustment to be. It can be adapted to changed parameters at any time (eg insufficient lighting) (eg adaptation signal pattern, amphit. Not possible, unless it is replaced (eg by a small, length to eg a higher environmental noise level) Screen).

With sufficient illumination, optical bar codes Acoustic barcodes are only audible when they are visible without any reading devices. The read from a device. This happens in the bar can be the bar code with a great tolerance with respect to lemmers in the same playing direction and the same recording direction and speed of the continuous playback tempo. Of the reading.

[0010] The principle of transmitting data via a line designed for signals in the audible range is well known from the technology of acoustic couplers. These are, in each case, applications for a machine-to-machine communication, such as between facsimile machines or terminals and computers via the telephone network by means of ordinary telephone sets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following is a detailed view of the fundamental differences between acoustic coupling as already known and, on the other hand, as proposed here as acoustic barcodes:

Conventional acoustic couplers for data transmission Acoustic couplers for acoustic barcodes

The Acoustic Coupler is suitable to send data at the same time With the Acoustic coupler for barcodes can send and receive data and supports a selective transmission, only received, or sent coupling in both directions. And received, and it can support coupling in one or both directions.

Suitable for data exchange between devices It is suitable to send data from device to device (machine to machine), but not for the exchange of in- and information-dependent spoken information between devices between devices and humans. Nem device for a human being.

The acoustical coupler is physically for the recording of a sound. The arrangement of the sound sources of the acoustic coupler of conventional telephone listeners is designed for barcodes is dependent on possible microphone positions of the communication devices, in particular when mobile telephones are used for this purpose.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0012] The selective reproduction of one of many possible sound sequences to one of many possible communication units is, for example, of great advantage when visiting a museum, in which numerous objects are exhibited, information on specific objects and topics are offered via stations, and the With an individual communication unit, should be given the spoken commentary of their choice as simple as possible. For this purpose, a device as shown in FIG. 1 is used, where a schematic of the entire device with its components for the execution of the method is shown. At least one station 4 is assigned to at least one object 2. Each station 4 is a clearly defined, Which is assigned to the sound sequences, is assigned to the sound sequence assigned to the sound sequences, and each station 4 is capable of generating an acoustically modulated data signal which is unambiguously assigned to the sound sequence. In other words, there is a one-to-one and specific assignment of a tone sequence, a station and an acoustically modulated data signal. The design of the station 4 also makes it possible for the generation of its acoustically modulated data signal 4e to be triggered by the immediate proximity of the communication unit 3 (as represented by 104), for which numerous methods are sufficiently known. The communication unit 3 is connected via a unambiguously and specifically defined logical or physical line of a transmission network in the outgoing direction (117a, 116a, 113) and in the incoming direction (115, 116b, 117b) is connected to a processing point 9. Thus, the acoustically modulated data signal 4e is transmitted by the mobile communication unit 3 via the coupling unit 3 via the acoustic transducer 3a to the processing point 9 via a logical or physical line which is identified one-by-one. The processing point 9 may be part of or connected to the mobile communication unit 3 via a line (117a, 5, 116a, 14 and 113 in one direction, 115, 116b and 117b in the other direction) of a transmission network. A plurality of different stations 4 which can be distinguished from each other are provided with the respectively acoustically modulated data signals 4e and sound sequences which are unambiguously and specifically assigned as well as a plurality of mobile communication units 3, Which are connected to unambiguously and specifically defined lines, and these communication units are connected to a common processing point 9, the acoustically modulated data signals 4e are transmitted (transmission path: 117a, 116a, 113), detected (detection unit 11) and evaluated (interaction management) 8th). On the basis of these signals 4e and a stored reference 8a, the respectively assigned sound sequence 12a is identified while the line of the mobile communication unit 3 can be determined. The processing point 9 can thus assign the line of a mobile communication unit 3 which has transmitted an acoustically modulated data signal 4e to the station 4 to which this signal 4e belongs. And these communication units are connected to a common processing point 9, the acoustically modulated data signals 4e are transmitted (transmission path: 117a, 116a, 113), detected (detection unit 11) and evaluated (interaction management 8). On the basis of these signals 4e and a stored reference 8a, the respectively assigned sound sequence 12a is identified while the line of the mobile communication unit 3 can be determined. The processing point 9 can thus assign the line of a mobile communication unit 3 which has transmitted an acoustically modulated data signal 4e to the station 4 to which this signal 4e belongs. And these communication units are connected to a common processing point 9, the acoustically modulated data signals 4e are transmitted (transmission path: 117a, 116a, 113), detected (detection unit 11) and evaluated (interaction management 8). On the basis of these signals 4e and a stored reference 8a, the respectively assigned sound sequence 12a is identified while the line of the mobile communication unit 3 can be determined. The processing point 9 can thus assign the line of a mobile communication unit 3 which has transmitted an acoustically modulated data signal 4e to the station 4 to which this signal 4e belongs. Detected (detection unit 11) and evaluated (interaction management 8). On the basis of these signals 4e and a stored reference 8a, the respectively assigned sound sequence 12a is identified while the line of the mobile communication unit 3 can be determined. The processing point 9 can thus assign the line of a mobile communication unit 3 which has transmitted an acoustically modulated data signal 4e to the station 4 to which this signal 4e belongs. Detected (detection unit 11) and evaluated (interaction management 8). On the basis of these signals 4e and a stored reference 8a, the respectively assigned tone sequence 12a is identified while the line of the mobile communication unit 3 can be determined. The processing point 9 can thus assign the line of a mobile communication unit 3 which has transmitted an acoustically modulated data signal 4e to the station 4 to which this signal 4e belongs.

From the data content of the acoustically modulated data signal 4e, which is received on a line (117a, 116a, 113), and from the temporal change of this data content, the temporally changing assignment of a mobile communication unit 3 to the participating stations 4 can be detected ,

In addition to the indirect connection (117a, 116a, 113) via the mobile communication units 3, the stations 4 can additionally communicate and communicate directly with the processing station 9 via a further transmission path (106, 6 and 107). This results in the following advantages: 1. The detection of the acoustically modulated data signals 4e becomes more reliable because then the data content to be detected of an acoustically modulated data signal 4e must correspond not only to one of the valid reference values 8a but also exactly to that transmitted by the station 4. 2. Additional information which is generated by the station 4 itself and / or due to an interaction between the person 1 and the station 4 (via an input unit 4d, for example) Which supplement the limited information from the acoustically modulated data signal 4e, can be transmitted separately to the processing station 9. Without the above direct connection (106, 6 and 107) to the processing center 9, a separate acoustically modulated data signal 4e would be required for each additional input possibility. 3. In some cases, the processing station 9 of a station 4 can transmit information which is to be acknowledged by the latter in the form of an acoustically modulated data signal 4e. This allows, in particular, dynamic and / or user-specific and / or secure transactions. 6 and 107) to the processing center 9, a separate acoustically modulated data signal 4e would be required for each additional input possibility. 3. In some cases, the processing station 9 of a station 4 can transmit information which is to be acknowledged by the latter in the form of an acoustically modulated data signal 4e. This allows, in particular, dynamic and / or user-specific and / or secure transactions. 6 and 107) to the processing center 9, a separate acoustically modulated data signal 4e would be required for each additional input possibility. 3. In some cases, the processing station 9 of a station 4 can transmit information which is to be acknowledged by the latter in the form of an acoustically modulated data signal 4e. This allows, in particular, dynamic and / or user-specific and / or secure transactions.

Numerous methods for the design of acoustically modulated data signals, their detection and the protection of their data content against transmission errors are known to the person skilled in the art. The same applies to the identification of a particular line on which a particular signal has been detected - a function which is ensured, for example, by telephony systems in the form of computer systems with publicly documented computer programs (open source software) for implementing telephone exchanges. Likewise, such telephony systems, which can be assumed to be known to any expert, enable the transfer of an arbitrary tone sequence to an arbitrary line, this possibility being possible for the transmission of a tone sequence defined outside the telephony system to the line of a communication unit, With the aid of which a tone sequence has been chosen, is necessary, but by no means sufficient. From the above, there are three thematic circuits which are of central importance for this invention: 1. The design of the acoustically modulated data signals 4e: In order for the data signals 4e arriving at the processing point 9 to be reliably detected, they must be designed in such a way that they can be detected Well different from other acoustic signals and signal patterns. If mobile telephones are to be used as mobile communication units 3, the acoustically modulated data signals 4e must also be adapted to the particular circumstances of the voice channel of the mobile telephone network. 2. The acoustic design of the system: In order to be able to reliably identify a station 4 with high security and to be able to reliably determine the presence of the mobile communication unit 3 at a station 4, is the immediate proximity of the sound transducer 3a of the mobile communication unit 3 to the sound source 4b of the tone generator 4a. It is useful to strive for a good signal-to-noise ratio of the acoustically modulated data signals 4e, together with the lowest possible audibility from an already small distance. The sound sources 4b, which emit the data signals 4e, must generate the highest possible sound pressure in their immediate surroundings, which decreases sharply after a short distance. For this purpose, sound sources 4b are used which are as small as possible, which only move a small air column. In addition, a plurality of small sound sources 4b can be arranged close to each other, Which emit simultaneously the same data signal 4 e, whether this is in-phase or with a precisely predetermined phase relation to one another. The arrangement of several sound sources 4b ensures a more uniform local sound, while the selection of suitable phase relationships promotes the mutual extinction of the sound waves from a certain distance. 3. The design of the interaction: By means of the above-described technology, interactive systems, eg, customer-specific information systems, can be constructed and operated as shown by the examples described below. While the choice of suitable phase relationships favors the mutual extinction of the sound waves from a certain distance. 3. The design of the interaction: By means of the above-described technology, interactive systems, eg, customer-specific information systems, can be constructed and operated as shown by the examples described below. While the choice of suitable phase relationships favors the mutual extinction of the sound waves from a certain distance. 3. The design of the interaction: By means of the above-described technology, interactive systems, eg, customer-specific information systems, can be constructed and operated as shown by the examples described below.

Application Examples The interactive solutions described here serve, for example, for information, guidance or orientation, and can be used in museums, collections, exhibitions on learning paths, city tours, historical sites, monuments, viewpoints, tutorials, but also in the area of retail trade, Shopping centers, vending machines), in important buildings, airports and railway stations, as information or guidance, etc., but this does not mean that the application of this invention is limited to these areas. Many other applications are possible. The core and special feature of the technology is always the selective recording of sound sequences to communication units or the location of these communication units due to the processing of acoustically modulated data signals with small amplitude in the vicinity of sound sources. Applications are also conceivable in which the signals are also electrically coupled, for example using connections for acoustic hands-free devices.

In the following, the invention, in particular the aspect of interactive systems, is explained in the examples of audio guidance systems by means of mobile phones for museums and retail stores. The method is clear from FIG.

[0018] Most visitors to a museum have the need to be guided through exhibitions. Conventional conventional methods are personal guided tours by experts or museum guides in printed form. The former are expensive and not available at any time and everywhere and the second are inflexible and have the serious disadvantage that the visitor must constantly shift his gaze back and forth between the text to be read and the exhibition object, which is already very tired after a short period of time.

[0019] Audio guides by means of small mobile players have therefore been widely used for some time. Advantage: the visitor can always enjoy a spoken commentary in his language. He can focus entirely on the exhibition objects without having to read a text at all times. Disadvantage: the mobile players are expensive and have to be serviced daily. The number of mobile players that need to be deployed depends on the maximum number of visitors who can be at the same time in an exhibition, increased by the number of devices that are in the cleaning and maintenance after delivery.

The visitors of a retail store or shopping center would like to be informed about the products offered during their visit, and this is an important prerequisite for the shops to promote sales. Stores inform their visitors acoustically not individually, but all over the shop speaker system. Advantage: a simple and relatively inexpensive solution. Disadvantage: Often bad language comprehension and no possibility to inform shopgoers individually. Also, the visitor information can not retrieve itself as required, so there is also no way to compile visitor profiles in this way.

Mobile telephone-based, keyboard, voice or touch screen-controlled interactive systems or those which are GPS-controlled and are based on smartphone cameras with pattern recognition, etc. have been proposed (eg Cellphone Tours). They are distinguished by the fact that the user: - a complex interaction, and / or - a lot of mobile phone-related attention, and / or - restrictions on the mobile phones, eg smartphones, and / or problems due to inaccurate position determination with GPS become.

[0022] With the present invention, a new type of interactivity can be realized which overcomes the above drawbacks. It provides a mobile phone-supported interaction and interaction, which is suitable for any mobile phone of any design without any special technical equipment and allows for extremely simple, minimal and yet robust interactivity.

If, for example, a cellphone tour (guided tours via the mobile telephone) is offered for an exhibition, a mobile telephone user can set a service number, and then, by means of the entry of a speed dial number, a comment for certain exhibition objects in which it is currently located receive. This retrieval of information, however, is little user-friendly for the user, because it requires concentration and fatigues heavily. For each object, he must enter the assigned number on his mobile phone. It must therefore direct its view to the telephone keypad for every new object and enter the correct speed dial number correctly. In often darkened rooms of a museum, where only the objects are illuminated, this can be difficult.

The solution described here is distinguished from the Cellphone Tours, in particular by transmitting data (not voice) from the mobile telephone to the processing station in acoustic form (acoustically modulated data signals) over the conventional voice channel. This allows the user to use these services much more easily, without input from the telephone keypad or the smartphone camera, etc. In addition, error inputs which can easily occur when using the telephone keypad or voice-controlled systems are practically excluded here. This makes the use much more attractive.

[0024] The solution described here was described by means of practical examples in which the selective uploading of tone sequences was the focus. However, the solution can also offer advantages in situations in which the task of the ongoing location of participants or their mobile communication units is the focus. For this purpose, the solution continuously provides information about the location (in the sense of the immediate proximity to a station) of the participants, their activity (the detection of an acoustically modulated signal), and their identity (in the sense of the line occupied by their mobile communication unit).

1, which serves to distribute sound sequences to communication units (in this case, mobile telephones), and consists of the following components: • Stations 4 with tone generator 4a, sound source 4b and trigger 4c (FIG. Mechanical switch, proximity, ultrasonic, infrared, optical sensor, capacitive or inductive detection, detection of radiation of the communication unit, detection by radar, etc.) by which the interaction is started, provided the sound transducer 3a of a mobile communication unit 3 Is located in the immediate vicinity (104) of the sound source 4b. The acoustically modulated data signal 4e from the station 4 is coupled (103) via the sound transducer of the mobile communication unit 3. In this example, a station 4 is connected to the processing point 9 via 106, 6 and 107 and generates on demand the acoustically modulated data signal 4e, which is fixedly assigned to the station 4 and relates to the object 2 via the assignment (105) stands; • a mobile telephone network 5; Mobile communication units 3 with sound transducer 3a which transmit a received, acoustically modulated data signal 4e on a line (117a, 116a, 113) to the processing point 9; • a processing point 9 with interaction management 8 with access 111a to a database 12 which manages the sound sequences 12a and, on request via the respective route 112, 13 (the speech switching 13 is controlled by the interaction management via 111b), 115, 14, 116b,

All active mobile communication units 3 receive ambient noises and other acoustic signals and pass these continuously to the processing point 9, which makes the task of the detection 11 more difficult. There is the finite probability that acoustically modulated data signals are detected incorrectly and unwanted interactions are triggered.

The acoustically modulated data signals 4e are specifically designed in such a way that they can only be simulated with extremely low probability by means of speech, singing, noise, noise, sound, etc. This is done by providing the signals 4e with characteristics (amplitude range, signal frequencies, signal duration, temporal progression of these properties, signal redundancy, time stamps, etc.), which can be checked during detection. Such measures for the design of signals with regard to the most reliable detection possible and the least possible probability of misdetection are known from the coding technique and can be used specifically with regard to the characteristics of the interference noises.

[0028] If mobile telephones are to be used as mobile communication units 3, the special circumstances of the mobile telephone system can be taken into account.

In a mobile telephone network, the voice channel is the only easily accessible and open transmission channel, while data channels are not accessible or not implemented for many devices and / or require a slow, complex interaction with the user 1.

[0030] In the present solution, the acoustically modulated data signal 4e consists of a series of superimposed oscillations. If this data signal 4e is to be transmitted via the voice channel of the telephone network, the frequencies to be transmitted must be within the range which can be transmitted, that is, between 300 Hz and 3400 Hz.

Because the frequencies of the human voice are also within this range, there is the danger, as mentioned above, that these, but also transmitted ambient noises are erroneously interpreted as partial signals, or if they are random, as complete data signals 4e.

For this reason, for example, the DTMF system (Dual Tone Multifrequency), which has been known for many years in the field of telephony (ETSI ES 201 235-1 Specification of Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) Transmitters and • DTMF signals are transmitted, but the speech signals (and thus the DTMF signals superimposed interference signals) are suppressed, • or no DTMF signals, but only voice signals are transmitted ,

[0033] The DTMF system consists of a DTMF tone generator on the side of the transmitter and a DTMF decoder on the receiver side. The generator is actuated via the telephone keypad, the receiver consists of an electronic circuit for detecting the DTMF frequencies and a program for reconstructing the transmitted codes from the characteristics of the detected signals. The signals consist of two short, simultaneous and superimposed signal sequences of one each of four possible frequencies in the middle speech range (values in Hz: 697, 770, 852 and 941, as well as 1209, 1336, 1477 and 1633).

In contrast to the DTMF system in an analog telephone device, in which either only voice or only DTMF signals are transmitted, in the case described here, both acoustically modulated data signals as well as speech signals and / or noise can be simultaneously transmitted when using the mobile telephone system become. The reliable detection of the DTMF signals in the case of existing interference signals with significant levels is, however, not specified with the DTMF receiver which is customary in practice, with the result that conventional DTMF devices do not have adequately defined behavior in the present case.

[0035] Further arguments are against the use of the existing DTMF signals in their present form. The nominal frequencies were selected as the most widely possible set of numbers - in order to avoid the influence of harmonic components by harmonic components. This, together with the frequency tolerances, means that the individual signal components can not have a common period. A combination of the signals from stored, digital partial signals of finite, constant length is thus associated with an amplitude jump at low expenditure. In addition, detection of the DTMF signals due to a short-term discrete Fourier transform provides frequency values which do not match the DTMF frequencies, which leads to systematic measurement errors. When detecting signal frequencies over finite measuring intervals (not only, but especially also in the case of correlation detection), fault products are produced. Finally, in the case of transmission errors, it is possible that individual frames are repeated by the transmission channel of the mobile telephone networks (these are sequences of speech samples, for example, 160 samples or 20 milliseconds for GSM). This causes signal discontinuities, which are generally coupled to phase jumps, which can severely interfere with a correlation detection or detection with Goertzel filters, as is customary with DTMF. That individual frames are repeated by the transmission channel of the mobile telephone networks (these are sequences of speech samples, for example 160 samples or 20 milliseconds with GSM). This causes signal discontinuities, which are generally coupled to phase jumps, which can severely interfere with a correlation detection or detection with Goertzel filters, as is customary with DTMF. That individual frames are repeated by the transmission channel of the mobile telephone networks (these are sequences of speech samples, for example 160 samples or 20 milliseconds with GSM). This causes signal discontinuities, which are generally coupled to phase jumps, which can severely interfere with a correlation detection or detection with Goertzel filters, as is customary with DTMF.

Because the DTMF technology is unsuitable for the purpose of acoustic coupling for the above reasons, a separate system of patterns and frequencies has been developed for the acoustically modulated data signal, which is part of this invention and is explained with reference to FIG.

[0037] It is useful to use a new set of frequencies which are all multiples of a low basic frequency. This allows for simple generation and switching in a fine time grid without amplitudes. If, in addition, this fundamental frequency is equal to the frame frequency or a multiple thereof, a frame repetition will not cause a phase jump. In addition, interference components in the detection of the individual frequency components of the data signal at the end of the frames become exactly zero, which significantly increases the reliability of the detection.

At a frame frequency of 50 Hz, corresponding to a frame length of 20 milliseconds, alternatives to the DTMF frequencies on a grid of 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 150 Hz, etc. are obtained from these considerations DTMF frequencies, the following new DDTMF values are used:

DTMF

Group 1 697 770 852 941

Group 2 1209 1336 1477 1633

DDTMF

Gruppei 700 800 900 1000 1100

Group 2 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 Further refinements are conceivable with the use of DTMF-like signals. For a secure detection, it is for example advantageous if the various possible frequency components of a signal are as far apart as possible. Instead of operating according to the DTMF principle with one each of 4 frequencies from two groups, ie with code values according to FIG. 21 and frequency assignments according to FIGS. 22 and 23, it is advantageous to combine combinations of higher frequencies from the group of lower frequencies with lower frequencies To avoid frequencies from the group of higher frequencies, that is, for example, with frequency assignments according to FIGS. 25 and 26 and a reduced code value allocation according to FIG. 24. It is found that a certain, Intentionally used restriction of the transferable signal set, the number of possible signals, which is 16 at DTMF, is reduced to exactly 10. This simplifies the use of the technique described here in applications which are based on decimal data, which occur, for example, in many conventional bar codes as well as in the case of PIN codes, whereas the conventional DTMF technology is basically hexadecimal. In the case of DTMF, for example, under exclusion of the signals A, B, C, and D, as well as * and #, but instead by a signal, a sensible reduction of the signal set is not achieved here by means of arbitrary omitting of certain combinations of frequencies Beneficial selection of signal combinations with good properties which is conducive to robust detection of the signals.

On the basis of such a definition of discrete frequencies, which are suitable for the transmission of acoustically modulated data signals for hexadecimal or decimal coded data, it is now possible to define data formats which enable a secure transmission of data. The entire signal sequence consists exclusively of the partial signals 30 with the length of a data frame (frame), that is, 20 milliseconds with GSM (frames), which are occupied by the above-described pairs of discrete frequencies. An exception is the synchronization pattern 31, which consists of a suitable sequence of frames with a single frequency, which also belongs to neither of the two groups (ie 1100 Hz or 1200 Hz) or of empty frames (for example, 1 empty frame, 2 frames with 1200 Hz, 2 empty frames, 2 frames with 1200 Hz, 1 empty frame). Such signals can be detected using the same methods as the data signals, and it is also possible to derive the temporal limits of the frames from the detected signals. The synchronization pattern is followed by data packets 36, which in turn consist exclusively of frames with frequency pairs. Each data packet contains, on the one hand, user data 32, on the other hand data which is calculated as checksums of these user data (33, 34). As a special case of a data packet, a test data packet 35 can also be used whose user data 37 are simultaneously checksums of the useful data of other data packets. They allow for better error correction with longer transmission disturbances.

In order to ensure that a mobile communication unit 3 is located in the immediate vicinity of a station 4 and, furthermore, in order to reduce the probability of a simulation by noise, its presence at the station 4 can be detected and transmitted to the processing station 9. This can be done without functional, mobile telephone-specific interaction - for example by activating a sensor 4c (mechanical switch, proximity, ultrasonic, infrared, optical sensor, capacitive or inductive detection, detection of the radiation of the communication unit, detection by radar , Etc.). Various types of sensors 4c may also be used in combination. Without information on the presence, all line signals must be constantly checked for possibly present acoustically modulated data signals 4e, whereas in the central detection of presence information the same signals need only be analyzed over a short duration which slightly exceeds the temporal length of the data signal 4e. Data signals 4e simulating noises outside the measuring windows are thereby effectively suppressed. It is also of great advantage that only the data signal 4e of the station 4 is to be detected, which presence has registered. In this case, the signal 4e to be detected is known a priori. Data signals 4e simulating noises outside the measuring windows are thereby effectively suppressed. It is also of great advantage that only the data signal 4e of the station 4 is to be detected, which presence has registered. In this case, the signal 4e to be detected is known a priori. Data signals 4e simulating noises outside the measuring windows are thereby effectively suppressed. It is also of great advantage that only the data signal 4e of the station 4 is to be detected, which presence has registered. In this case, the signal 4e to be detected is known a priori.

[0042] Additional testing measures are also conceivable in order to avoid misdetections. A visitor who has recently been detected with high probability, for example, at the entrance to the museum at No. 3, will hardly be able to be found in a distant wing of the museum at the exhibition site no. The local coordinates of the stations and the time course of use of the stations 4 can also help to discard certain misdetections.

[0043] In the following, the interaction is illustrated schematically in the example of an exhibition. The exhibition visitor 1 wishes to have a sound sequence 12a corresponding to the station 4 and thus directly or indirectly corresponding to the exhibition object 2, on his mobile communication unit 3. The prerequisites for this are: - that its mobile communication unit 3 is switched on - that the visitor 1 has dialed a service number of the processing station 9 and thus is connected by telephone to this processing station 9 on a permanently assigned telephone line 14 defined by line management 10 (and further Via 116a, 117a and 113, or in the reverse direction via 115, 116b and 117b).

The station 4 with sound generator 4a generates an acoustic signal, which is assigned to the desired sound sequence 12a, at the sound source 4b (loudspeaker, sound transducer) via a sensor 4c. When the sound transducer 3a of a mobile communication unit 3 is held directly in front of the sound source 4b, the acoustically modulated data signal 4e is transmitted to the processing point 9. FIG. It is recognized there - even with a significant noise level. It is clear from the detection 11 of the data signal 4e and identification of the relevant line 11 that the visitor 1 wishes with his mobile communication unit 3 on this line the sound sequence 12a to the relevant display object 2 and the corresponding sound sequence 12a can be played back.

The assignment of the data signal 4e to the line 14 is required reliably, that is, for a station 4, the correct sound sequence 12a is provided on the correct line to the user 1 who desired it.

The knowledge of the telephone number of the user 1, which occupies the telephone line 14, is not required even if this number is possibly accessible.

Since, prior to the detection 11 of the data signal, it is not established which telephone line 14 will be recognizable, it is necessary to keep all the telephone lines 14 permanently or during the time intervals for which an interaction trigger has been detected on the possible appearance of all data signals 4e.

[0048] Eine Station 4 kann auch überein Auswahlmenu verfügen, über welches der Besucher 1 die gewünschte Interaktion wählen kann. Das Auswahlmenu könnte in taktiler (z.B. Taster) oder virtueller Form (z.B. Touchscreen) vorliegen. Das Auswahlmenu kann sich: • auf mehrere Objekte 2 beziehen (eine Station 4 in der Nähe einer Gruppe von Objekten 2), • auf ein Objekt 2 beziehen, das sich verändert (z.B. Information zu jedem Bild einer laufenden Präsentation), • auf ein Objekt 2 beziehen, für das mehrere Informationsbeiträge 12a zur Verfügung stehen (z.B. der kurze oder der lange Kommentar oder eine vertiefte Beschreibung der Geschichte des Objektes 2).

If the station 4 is connected to the processing station 9, the selection made can be transmitted to the processing station 9 and the desired sound sequence 12a can be sent to the corresponding visitor 1. In this case, the station 4 can always generate the acoustically modulated data signal 4 e, irrespective of the selection made. However, it can also receive an acoustically modulated data signal 4e specific to the selected selection from the processing point 9.

In this case, the station 4 is used to determine the line, and may optionally contribute to determining the tone sequence 12a of the interaction.

The connection between the stations 4 and the processing point 9 is assumed for the following applications.

Claims

[0051] A further form of the interaction is, for example, A visitor-specific or customer-specific solution, in which the information or the guide is specifically compiled. Here are some examples: • Someone wants to visit the Louvre in Paris, but have little time and would therefore like to have a guided tour, where he can see the most important objects 2 in just 30 minutes and hear the corresponding comments 12a. At the station 4 at the entrance, he selects the fast trip (duration 30 minutes) and is guided by a mobile communication unit 3 and the acoustically modulated data signals of the visited stations 4 from one tour-specific exhibition object 2 to the next and receives the corresponding commentary 12a at each. • Someone wants to see in a very large collection only the objects 2, Which are related to a very specific subject. In the case of a station 4 at the input, he selects this topic or, by means of search terms, compiles a tour and is guided from one tour-specific exhibition object 2 to the next by means of a mobile communication unit 3 and the acoustically modulated data signals of the visited stations 4 and receives the respective commentary 12a , • Somebody would like to shop quickly in a big supermarket or shopping center (as well known, especially nerve-racking if you do not know the store). At the station 4 at the entrance, he selects the desired articles 2 and is then guided to the desired article locations by means of the mobile telephone 3 and the further stations 4 in the shop. Article 2, which does not exist, can be displayed immediately at the beginning, And alternatives can be offered. Also, special actions can be pointed out. Extra service: If the customer 1 has already been dialed into the system with his or her mobile telephone 3, he can, for example, be connected to his wife at home to inquire whether he can make further purchases, benefit from promotions or buy the organic version instead of the regular product Etc., etc. The interactions described here serve to enable an interaction corresponding to the customer's request and the selection by the customer. claims Whether it is to make further purchases, benefit from promotions or buy the organic version instead of the regular product, etc. The interactions described here serve to enable an interaction corresponding to the customer's request and the selection by the customer. claims Whether it is to make further purchases, benefit from promotions or buy the organic version instead of the regular product, etc. The interactions described here serve to enable an interaction corresponding to the customer's request and the selection by the customer. claims

The invention relates to a method for selectively transmitting sound sequences (12a) to communication units (3) and for locating communication units (3) with respect to stations (4), characterized in that individual mutually independent communication units (3) with sound transducers (3a) Are connected to a processing point (9) via an independent, unambiguously defined, specifically assigned logical line of a transmission network in the outgoing direction (117a, 116a, 113) and in the incoming direction (115, 116b, 117b) (4e) and individual stations (4), which are associated with the sound record (4e) and are acoustically generated by sound sources (4b) applied at these stations (4)Characterized in that these acoustically modulated data signals (4e) are transmitted to the processing station (9) by a geometric distance defined as a close-up range between the sound source (4b) and the sound transducer (3a) Of the line between the communication unit (3) and the processing point (9) have an amplitude which permits reliable electronic identification of the data signals (4e) by signal processing and thus a location of the communication units (3) with respect to the stations (4) A detection unit (11) associated with the processing point (9), which data signal has arrived from the set of possible data signals, in that the line (117a, 116a, 113),(4e) from one of the communication units (3) in the outgoing direction to the processing point (9), and in that the tone sequence (12a) which is assigned to the data signal (4e) is transmitted from the processing point 9) to the communication unit (3) using this identified line is transmitted via this line in the incoming direction (115, 116b, 117b).
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the processing station transmits an acknowledgment of the successful detection of the data signals emitted by the station to this station, and that this station transmits this acknowledgment Visually or acoustically.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing station provides information to the station, which transmits a further acoustically modulated data signal (4e) predetermined thereby.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the acoustically modulated data signals (4e) are composed by a temporal arrangement of sums of signal segments with a sinusoidal signal profile and the same amplitude, the segment length of which corresponds to the speech processing frame length of a digital voice transmission network or a multiple thereof , And the signal segment frequency of which corresponds to a multiple of the speech processing frame frequency, wherein these signal segment frequencies lie in the useful band of the digital voice transmission network, the individual signal segments may possibly be subjected to an envelope formation prior to their assembly to the resulting acoustically modulated data signal (4e).
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the acoustically modulated data signals (4e) are formed by combinations of one of four frequencies from two separate frequency groups F1-F4 and F5-F8, with the additional restrictions that those six data signals 4e) from the set of possible signals (21) having the smallest distance (dmin) between the uppermost frequency from the group of the lower frequencies F1-F4 and the lowest frequency from the group of the upper frequencies F5-F8 Decimal data (24) can not be used.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the detection unit (11) additionally receives the time and the data content of the acoustically modulated data signals (4e) sent by the station (4) via a separate transmission path independent of the transmission network of the communication units (106, 106, 107), and the detection of the signal obtained via the communication unit (3) is carried out on the other hand only when the information from the line in the outgoing direction (117a, 116a, 113) is the same Is valid.
7. A device for transmitting a tone sequence selectively to a communication unit by means of a method according to claim 1, comprising: stations with a tone generator and a sound source; ) With a transducer (3a), a processing point (9) with a detection unit (11), a transmission network for connecting the communication units (3) to the processing point (9).
8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the stations (4) are equipped with an additional input device (4d).
9. The device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the communication units (3) are mobile telephones which are connected to a public mobile telephone network and whose voice channel is usable for the transmission of the acoustically modulated data signals (4e) and the selectively-played sound sequence (12a) ,
10. The device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the coupling between the stations (4) and the mobile telephones as communication units (3) is not only acoustically but additionally electrically, whether wired or wireless, via the hands-free system input and output Mobile phones can happen.
11. The device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the stations (4) are additionally connected to the processing point (9) via a transmission path (106, 6, 107) independent of the transmission network.